At a Glance
- Charles Kohl, 7, was killed when a utility task vehicle rolled over in Bennet, Neb., on Monday, Jan. 19.
- His 9-year-old brother survived with a broken leg after the vehicle overturned during a sharp turn.
- The incident prompted a school closure and a community response to support grieving families.
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the risks of operating UTVs on private property and the importance of safety precautions for young riders.
Charles Kohl, 7, was killed and his 9-year-old brother was injured in a utility task vehicle crash in Nebraska on Monday, Jan. 19. The accident occurred on private property near Bennet when the vehicle rolled over after a sharp turn. The incident has sparked discussions about UTV safety and the responsibilities of parents and operators.
The Crash
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the two brothers were driving a utility task vehicle (UTV) on a private property near Bennet when the vehicle overturned. According to Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, the UTV was traveling and made a sharp turn before rolling over. Houchin noted that the boys were returning to work on a tree house after retrieving tools for the project.
A third child was also riding an ATV with the brothers. After the crash, the third boy went to inform his mother, who then called 911. Authorities arrived at the scene around 4 p.m. and found that Charles had been pronounced dead on the spot. His brother, who survived, suffered a broken leg.
Police Response
Chief Deputy Ben Houchin expressed deep sorrow for the loss. “The loss of a child is a pain no family should have to ever go through, and we are so sorry for your loss,” Houchin said, later adding, “We feel so horrible.”
When asked about age restrictions for operating UTVs, Houchin clarified that there are no age limits when the vehicle is operated on private property. However, drivers must be at least 16 years old if operating on public streets.
School Community Response
The Bennet-Palmyra school district released a statement identifying Charles as a second-grade student at Bennet Elementary. “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and staff during this incredibly difficult time,” the district wrote. To allow time for grieving and support, the district announced that there would be no school at District OR-1 Schools on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
A crisis response team remained on campus on Tuesday, January 20, and the school said that additional counseling services would be available starting on Wednesday, January 21, when classes are set to resume.
The district thanked the community for its compassion, understanding, and support during this time.
Regulations and Safety
UTVs are often marketed as recreational vehicles for adults, but the incident shows that children can operate them on private property. While the law does not impose a minimum age for private use, the safety of young operators remains a concern. Parents and guardians should ensure that children are supervised and that vehicles are operated responsibly.
The crash has prompted local officials to review safety protocols for UTV use on private land and to consider additional educational outreach for families.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, Jan. 19 | UTV rolled over; Charles pronounced dead, brother injured |
| Tuesday, Jan. 20 | School district closed schools; crisis team on campus |
| Wednesday, Jan. 21 | Counseling services to begin; classes resume |
Key Takeaways
- Charles 7 was killed when a UTV rolled over on Monday, Jan. 19.
- The 9-year-old brother survived with a broken leg.
- The incident underscores the lack of age restrictions for UTVs on private property.
- The Bennet-Palmyra school district closed schools and offered counseling.
- Parents should enforce safety measures when children use UTVs.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with utility task vehicles and the need for vigilant supervision and adherence to safety guidelines.
